Do shocks wear out ?
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Do shocks wear out ?
I have seen several posts on changing shocks and wondered why. I had a 1989 F250 , 16 years old, 250K miles with original shocks. I had a 2001 F150, 12 years old, 250K miles with original shocks.... Now i have a 2002 with 100K miles and it floats around in high wind like a boat on water. It has 265 x 75 x 16 tires where my 2001 had 70 x 17 tires. Im wondering if there was a change in shocks from 2001 to 2002, if the lower porfile tires have less bounce and more stable... or if its just the luck of the draw ? Any ideas ? I dont want to spend a fortune, seems like a lot of guys were recommending the Monroe, or Gabrials, and not the Rancheros ?
Fleet Mechanic
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From: NE Iowa JD Country
I have seen several posts on changing shocks and wondered why. I had a 1989 F250 , 16 years old, 250K miles with original shocks. I had a 2001 F150, 12 years old, 250K miles with original shocks.... Now i have a 2002 with 100K miles and it floats around in high wind like a boat on water. It has 265 x 75 x 16 tires where my 2001 had 70 x 17 tires. Im wondering if there was a change in shocks from 2001 to 2002, if the lower porfile tires have less bounce and more stable... or if its just the luck of the draw ? Any ideas ? I dont want to spend a fortune, seems like a lot of guys were recommending the Monroe, or Gabrials, and not the Rancheros ?
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A worn shock will usually still provide some level of bounce control. A shock that is completely blown will just float. Blown can be from either the fluid inside leaking out or from the seals inside completely disintegrating.
I don't know who recommends Gabriels or Monroes. They are the two cheapest brands, so you get what you pay for. They will work better than blown shocks. but I've put Monroes on my own vehicles that only lasted a couple weeks before they rode like the old ones I was replacing, and have had a set completely leak out the fluid within a couple years.
I now use KYBs have yet to have an issue with them.
I don't know who recommends Gabriels or Monroes. They are the two cheapest brands, so you get what you pay for. They will work better than blown shocks. but I've put Monroes on my own vehicles that only lasted a couple weeks before they rode like the old ones I was replacing, and have had a set completely leak out the fluid within a couple years.
I now use KYBs have yet to have an issue with them.
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kind of a joke mechanic.. I have owned trucks for 40 years. Last two had 250K miles and original shocks.. Last truck im not sure if its the shocks, tall tires, or brand of tires. Seems to have more float than i like. Just wondering who has change shocks to what brand and had success, or if they can relate problem to tire manufacture or size. ------- If you get KYB, what model ?
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I put Sensa-Tracs on my Dad's Dodge years ago and wow, what a difference. Then I put some on my 30k mile Ranger and it made a nice difference too.
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Shocks wear out, but the shock mount bushing is usually first to go. Replaced my shocks at 200K and found 1 was completely shot, 1 leaking, and 3 had worn mount bushings. I suppose you could replace only the bushings, but if you are going to the trouble of taking them off they may as well be changed.
Originals on most of the 97-03 F150 4x4 Off Roads were Ranchos. When I needed to replace I went with cheaper Monroes and there's a noticeable difference in ride (stiffer). They have held up for 3 years though.
Originals on most of the 97-03 F150 4x4 Off Roads were Ranchos. When I needed to replace I went with cheaper Monroes and there's a noticeable difference in ride (stiffer). They have held up for 3 years though.
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Well, i ended up getting a set of Gabriel ULTRAs for front and rear. They are about 50% bigger than the original shocks. Fronts were KBY brand, but probalby the cheaper model. Not much cushion left. I could collapse them 50% faster than the new Gabriel. Also found a sway bar strut broke on the drivers side front. Set all tire pressures to 45 psi. Drove 500 miles the past two days on gravel , county road, and highway... what a difference ! NO sway in the corners. Cost was $40. each include tax, and there was a $5 rebate on each. ULTRA is their top of the line.
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KYB MonoMax shocks are the beat I've ever used on any vehicle. They are outstanding and make one hell of a difference in stability control and ride quality. I've had them on my 98' now for 8+ years with no noticeable loss in performance and what I'd expected from and $80.00 a piece shock.
